A method and system of virtual multicasting content is disclosed. The method and system disclosed enable the receipt of virtual multicast content without requiring the expensive investment in the infrastructure necessary for a network to be multicast enabled. The virtual multicasting may be performed according to a method of virtual multicasting multicast content on non-multicast enabled networks, comprising the steps of determining if an attached network is multicast enabled, if the attached network is not totally multicast enabled, querying for virtual multicast requests for the multicast content from non-multicast enabled client computers, listening for virtual multicast requests, and determining, based on the virtual multicast requests, which client computers request the multicast content, from the unicast addresses, and the requested methods of delivery for the multicast content. The network includes client computers that have unicast addresses and the at least one virtual multicast request includes a unicast address identifying a client computer of the network and a requested method of delivery for the multicast content.
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1. A method of dynamic registration of client requests to receive virtual multicasting (VMC) multicast content on non-multicast enabled networks, comprising the steps of: receiving requests, wherein at least one virtual multicast request includes a unicast address identifying a client computer of the network and a requested method of delivery for the multicast content; building a VMC client table (VCT) file that includes the identities of client computers requesting the multicast content and the unicast addresses of the requesting clients; selecting an optimal upstream virtual router, wherein an optimal upstream virtual router is determined based on best balance of router load and round trip time for a requested method of delivery of the multicast content; entering the VCT file into the selected upstream virtual router's client table; periodically querying for virtual multicast requests from the client computers included in the VCT file to determine that the client computer wishes to maintain its request for the multicast content; if the client computer does not respond to a query for virtual multicast requests, removing the client computer from the selected virtual router's client table; periodically probing the selected optimal upstream virtual router to determine if the virtual router is available and capable of delivering the multicast content; if the probing reveals that the selected router is no longer available or is incapable of delivering the multicast content, registering the VCT file with another virtual upstream router, wherein registering the VCT file with another virtual upstream router includes: creating a Virtual Multicast Registration protocol (VMCRP) report including all VMC multicast content requests received by the selected router; sending the VMCRP report to all virtual upstream routers; and selecting an optimal upstream virtual router, wherein an optimal upstream virtual router is determined based on best balance of router load and round trip time for a requested method of delivery of the multicast content; and delivering the requested multicast content to the at least one unicast address.
A method for delivering multicast content on networks not fully supporting multicasting. The system dynamically manages client requests by receiving virtual multicast requests, each including a client's unicast address and preferred delivery method. A virtual multicast client table (VCT) is created, storing client identities and unicast addresses. An optimal upstream virtual router is selected based on load balancing and round-trip time. The VCT file is registered with the selected router. The system periodically queries clients to confirm their continued interest; inactive clients are removed from the router's table. The chosen router is periodically checked for availability. If unavailable, a Virtual Multicast Registration Protocol (VMCRP) report is created, listing all received multicast content requests. This report is sent to all virtual upstream routers to enable the selection of a new optimal upstream router and registration of the VCT. Finally, the requested multicast content is delivered to the client's unicast address.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein periodically querying for virtual multicast requests comprises the step of: issuing virtual Internet Group Management Protocol (VIGMP) queries, wherein VIGMP queries query client computers for VIGMP reports that request unicast or multicast delivery of the multicast content.
The method for delivering multicast content on networks not fully supporting multicasting, where periodically querying for virtual multicast requests includes issuing virtual Internet Group Management Protocol (VIGMP) queries. These VIGMP queries ask client computers for VIGMP reports, which request either unicast or multicast delivery of the multicast content. This system manages client requests by receiving these requests, each including a client's unicast address and preferred delivery method. A virtual multicast client table (VCT) is created, storing client identities and unicast addresses. An optimal upstream virtual router is selected based on load balancing and round-trip time. The VCT file is registered with the selected router. The chosen router is periodically checked for availability and, if unavailable, the system identifies a replacement router. Finally, the requested multicast content is delivered to the client's unicast address.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the VIGMP reports that the request unicast delivery of the multicast content include a unicast address for a requesting client computer and a multicast address for the multicast content.
The method for delivering multicast content on networks not fully supporting multicasting, where the VIGMP reports requesting unicast delivery include the requesting client's unicast address and the multicast address for the content. This elaboration of issuing virtual Internet Group Management Protocol (VIGMP) queries builds on a system that manages client requests by receiving these requests, each including a client's unicast address and preferred delivery method. A virtual multicast client table (VCT) is created, storing client identities and unicast addresses. An optimal upstream virtual router is selected based on load balancing and round-trip time. The VCT file is registered with the selected router. The chosen router is periodically checked for availability and, if unavailable, the system identifies a replacement router. Finally, the requested multicast content is delivered to the client's unicast address.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiving step receives virtual multicast requests from downstream virtual routers.
The method for delivering multicast content on networks not fully supporting multicasting, where the receiving step receives virtual multicast requests from downstream virtual routers. This means that not only end-user clients can make a request, but other intermediate routers can also forward the request. This system manages client requests by receiving these requests, each including a client's unicast address and preferred delivery method. A virtual multicast client table (VCT) is created, storing client identities and unicast addresses. An optimal upstream virtual router is selected based on load balancing and round-trip time. The VCT file is registered with the selected router. The system periodically queries clients to confirm their continued interest; inactive clients are removed from the router's table. The chosen router is periodically checked for availability. Finally, the requested multicast content is delivered to the client's unicast address.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the receiving step receives virtual multicast requests from downstream virtual routers by receiving Virtual Multicast Registration protocol (VMCRP) reports, wherein the VMCRP reports include a unicast address for requesting downstream virtual router and a multicast address for the multicast content.
The method for delivering multicast content on networks not fully supporting multicasting, where receiving virtual multicast requests from downstream virtual routers involves receiving Virtual Multicast Registration Protocol (VMCRP) reports. These reports include a unicast address for the requesting downstream virtual router and a multicast address for the content, enabling the system to identify the source and destination of the requested multicast data. This builds on the concept that not only end-user clients can make a request, but other intermediate routers can also forward the request. This system manages client requests by receiving these requests, each including a client's unicast address and preferred delivery method. A virtual multicast client table (VCT) is created, storing client identities and unicast addresses. An optimal upstream virtual router is selected based on load balancing and round-trip time. Finally, the requested multicast content is delivered to the client's unicast address.
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November 24, 2014
June 6, 2017
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